LI-PO USAGE AND SAFETY

 

LI-PO Usage And Safety Rules (Rev. E - Effective Date 12/01/06)

 

Lithium Battery Fires - NOTICE

Lithium batteries are becoming very popular for powering the control and power systems in our models. This is true because of their very high energy density (amp-hrs/wt. ratio) compared to NiCads or other batteries. With high energy comes increased risk in their use. The, principal, risk is FIRE which can result from improper charging, crash damage, or shorting the batteries. All vendors of these batteries warn their customers of this danger and recommend extreme caution in their use. In spite of this many fires have occurred as a result of the use of Lithium Polymer batteries, resulting in loss of models, automobiles, and other property. Homes and garages and workshops have also burned. A lithium battery fire is very hot (several thousand degrees) and is an excellent initiator for ancillary (resulting) fires. Fire occurs due to contact between Lithium and oxygen in the air. It does not need any other source of ignition, or fuel to start, and burns almost explosively. These batteries must be used in a manner that precludes ancillary fire.

For reasons listed above, the following rules will be in place and enforced during ALL Indoor Camp Ronnie (ICR) scheduled flying sessions at the Pittsburgh Indoor Sports Arena (PISA). Any pilot using LI-PO batteries to power their model, either heli or plane, must obey these rules. Failure to follow these rules will be cause for ejection from an ICR scheduled flying session, NO REFUNDS, NO EXCEPTIONS.

1. The ICR Safety Officer has the final word on any damaged LI-PO pack resulting in a crash or from prior damage for its use during any ICR scheduled flying session.

2. All pilots must come equipped with a fireproof container with a secure lid for charging. ICR will not provide said container but will have examples of APPROVED and recommended containers on display. You can see these containers on the ICR web site - www.clubicr.com. Please note that the ICR Safety Office has the final word in approving or rejecting any CONTAINER or BOX use for LI-PO charging, NO EXCEPTIONS. Most pre-approved containers on display at the flying sessions and shown on the ICR web site can be purchased at local military outlet stores; sporting and hunting supply stores and local hobby shops. Note if your LI-PO batteries are already charged up for the ICR flying session, i.e. you have a “full box” of charged packs to last the entire session, and you do not intend to charge your batteries during the session you do not need this fireproof container. However, do not try and get away with charging one pack without the required fireproof container, NO EXCEPTIONS. Pictures of approved containers are shown here:

                        

(Note - Decals Added - Not Included)

                          

3. All LI-PO charging is to be done in the designated pit area. This area is also known by pilots as the “no fly zone”. NO CHARGING is to be done on the field/turf of the PISA facility. All chargers and power supplies are to be on the ground in the pit area. AC power outlets are available for AC/DC converters for charging along the outer wall parameter of the PISA facility. Pilots are welcomed to use the outlets on a first come first serve basis. You may also bring an auxiliary 12-volt car or tractor battery to power your charging equipment as well. These power source batteries must remain on the cement ground in the pit areas too.

 

Per the nature of LI-PO battery use and the constant development of this technology the ICR Officers have the right to amend these rules as needed to assure safe flying sessions without notice. The amended or added rules will be shown on the ICR web site - www.clubicr.com. The effective date will also be displayed as to when said changes will take effect and be enforced. Pilots attending ICR scheduled flying sessions are encouraged to check the site often for amended or added rules prior to each flying session.

Remember, safety is everyone's responsibility. If you have any questions or do not understand any of these rules, don't hesitate to ask any club official or experienced member of the club. Please be courteous, we are all here to make the sport safe and enjoyable. ICR will not tolerate reckless use of LI-PO’s or unorthodox charging procedures at any time during any flying session. ICR has the right to eject any pilot during a scheduled flying session without a refund for failure to observe the LI-PO Usage And Safety Rules listed here, NO EXCEPTIONS.